Budget skin care routine for oily skin

• Posted by Debora Sulca

Back To Basics: The Skincare Routine For Oily & Acne Prone Skin

A simple and effective way to care for oily and acne prone skin types.

In our last Back to Basic Skincare Series we looked at how to implement a minimalistic skincare routine for dry and dehydrated skin with the right products. In this blog, we are reviewing a minimalistic skincare routine for oily and acne prone skin types and sharing with you the best products and formulations to keep your skin healthy and looking its best!

We know how difficult it can be to care for and balance out an oily skin type. The challenge is even greater for those suffering from regular acne breakouts. Although we can’t make them disappear overnight, there are ways to diminish their appearance and get your skin to be less reactive with a concise and effective regime. In order to achieve those results, we need to clear up some popular myths surrounding excess oil production and breakouts.

Oily or combination skin types are genetically predisposed. This is the type of skin that you were born with and not a condition you can treat and cure. Oily skin types exist when there is an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands of the dermis which gives a shine and greasy look to the skin. This hyperactivity produces excess oils that overfill the pores and enlarge them. The sebum in the pores mixes with dirt and bacteria. Dead skin cells get trapped and form blackheads and whiteheads under the surface of the skin.  Blackheads and whiteheads are a different type of skin condition collectively known as acne. 

The best way to address oily skin types and reduce acne is to follow a routine that helps balance out the oil production on the skin while keeping it well hydrated and avoid any disruption on the dermis barrier. Avoid the use of any harsh or drying products such as alcohol and other astringents, or irritating ingredients like menthol, lemon, eucalyptus as well as, aromatic oils and solid rich formulations such as bar soaps that clog the pores, making matters worse by exacerbating the oil secretion on the skin.

For a simple and effective skincare regime we recommend the following steps:

STEP 1: Cleanser

Cleanse your skin twice daily, in the morning and night, using a mild water-soluble facial cleanser to remove excess oils and avoid buildup in the pores. As mentioned above, avoid any aggravating ingredients and/or harsh scrubs and cleansing tools. Remember, the tingling sensation does not equal cleaner skin, it’s a sign of irritation that is not good for any skin type.

Our picks:

• Clean & Clear daily pore cleanser oil free
• Garnier skinactive micellar foaming gel cleanser combination to oily skin, even sensitive
• Cerave renewing SA cleanser
• Kiehls ultra facial cleanser for all skin types

Oil-Free Daily Pore Cleanser, PRP AED 59, available at fruugo.ae

Micellar Gel Face Wash Sensitive Skin, PRP AED 18, available at asos.com

Ultra Facial Cleanser, PRP AED 90, available at kiehls.ae

STEP 2: Toner

This is one of the most important steps of this routine, a well formulated, alcohol-free exfoliating toner will replenish your skin with antioxidants and calming ingredients, minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and remove any residues of makeup or dirt that could possibly clog the pores. An exfoliating toner that contains BHA’s such as salicylic acid is a fantastic fit for oily skin types as it is oil soluble and can get deep down in the pores unclogging them from the roots and keeping those black and white heads at bay.

Our picks:

• COSRX BHA blackhead power liquid
• Bioderma sebium pore refiner
• The Inkey List PHa toner
• Derma e soothing toner with anti-aging

Bha Blackhead Power Liquid, PRP AED 120.15, available at carethy.net

Sebium Pore Refiner, PRP AED 80, available at noon.com

Anti-Wrinkle Toner, PRP AED 119, available at fruugo.ae

STEP 3: Moisturiser

Contrary to common belief, oily skin types need to stay well hydrated to keep the dermis acting and looking healthy. Proper levels of hydration on the skin are fundamental to keep it functioning and regenerating at is best. To learn more about the differences between dehydrated and dry skin check our first Back to Basics skincare instalment. When choosing a moisturiser focus on an oil-free, lightweight water-based formulation, that will effectively hydrate your skin without clogging your pores or leaving a heavy and greasy feeling to it.

Our picks:

• Clinique moisture surge hydrating lotion
• Glow Recipe watermelon glow pink juice moisturizer
• Elf oil control liquid lotion
• Drunk Elephant f-balm electrolyte waterfacial

Moisture Surge Eye™ 96-Hour Hydro-Filler Concentrate, PRP AED 189, available at sephora.ae

Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer, PRP AED 89, available at cultbeauty.co.uk

Oil Control Liquid Lotion, PRP AED 76, available at amazon.ae

STEP 4: SPF

Nowadays they are so many elegant and sophisticated sun block formulations that are oil free and non-comedogenic. The Gaggler prefers products in a lotion form that contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide which have been proven to prevent acne breakouts. In addition, proper sun protection helps you prevent any pigmentation scaring.

Our picks:

• Shiseido ultimate sun protection SPF 50 sunscreen + wetforce for sensitive skin + children
• Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45
• Neutrogena ultra sheer face sunscreen SPF45
• La Roche Posay anthelious 50 mineral ultra light sunscreen fluid SPF50 face

Expert Sun Protection Lotion Wetforce SPF50+ Face And Body, PRP AED 160, available at sweetcare.com

Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45, PRP AED 139.58, available at revolve.com

Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF45, PRP AED 114, available at noon.com

STEP 5: Specific treatments and serums

If you suffer from acne prone skin and regular breakouts you would want to introduce a treatment serum on your regime that contains benzyl peroxide to help regulate oil production during the day while reducing redness and inflammation; and a retinol serum to keep skin clear and rejuvenated at night time. Other great ingredient you can include in your regiment is the powerful antioxidant niacinamide that helps out with the appearance of enlarged pores, while also soothing and calming the skin and providing anti-aging benefits.

Our picks:

• Drunk Elephant framboise glycolic night serum
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 2%
• Proactiv emergency blemish relief
• La Roche Posay effaclar duo corrective unclogging care

Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, PRP AED 390, available at noon.com

Niacinamide Plus Zinc Serum, PRP AED 99, available at noon.com

Emergency Blemish Relief, PRP AED 212, available at noon.com

Effaclar Duo[+] Corrective Unclogging Care, PRP AED 81, available at caretobeauty.com

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Lucy Clegg

Trend or Recommend: LED Light Therapy

Plus, all your questions, answered.

You may have seen LED light therapy in several different forms. A popular one resembles a Star Wars stormtrooper mask. Well, this is what is known as LED phototherapy.  Much like me, you may be skeptical at first when it comes to LED light therapy, as it can seem like a gimmick. However, it comes highly recommended by dermatologists, aestheticians, and doctors.  From facials to at-home devices, LED light therapy is becoming increasingly popular. But what exactly is it? Let’s dig deep.

LED Light Therapy

Looking for a new and improved way to treat your skin conditions? Say hello to LED light therapy! This non-invasive treatment uses light-emitting diodes to emit different wavelengths of light and is known to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and eczema. Best of all, there is no downtime required and the treatment time is short – perfect for busy bees! Plus, it’s safe for all skin types and has been clinically proven to be effective (depending on the wavelength used). And what’s not to love about the free catnap included in the treatment? 

How Does It Work?

We all know that plants absorb light energy to help them grow. But did you know that our skin can do the same thing? When we sunbathe, our skin absorbs the sunlight and we develop a tan from the energy of the sun. LED phototherapy uses this same principle to stimulate and repair cells.

In fact, it can work up to 200% faster than natural processes, which helps to regenerate and repair the skin. As the light triggers a whole cascade of skin-enhancing processes, your skin still reaps the benefits, even after the treatment has finished. If you would like a more visual and detailed video, you can find it here.

Are the Results Real?

The results speak for themselves. The great thing about light therapy is it’s not just for the face; you can use it all over the body. You will see many images online to prove that the treatment works. A friend of mine used Dermalux LED light therapy in her clinic on a client’s hands to treat contact dermatitis, showing amazing results. You may see detailed photos of before and after LED light therapy results here. 

Quick-Fire Facts 

I am often asked about LED light therapy in my day-to-day work. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions with my answers:

How long does it take per session? 

It all depends on the wavelength of the light being used, but roughly speaking, you can expect to sit under those LED lights for anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes per session.

How often do I need to have this treatment?

Twice a week is recommended for optimum results, but it is safe to have this treatment daily and, although very beneficial, it would not be necessary and isn’t too budget-friendly unless you have an at-home device. If so, go ahead!

How long do I need to maintain the treatment to keep the results?

Results can last several months, but maintenance is key with most treatments. After your course, I would suggest at least once a month or every 2-3 months, depending on what skin condition is being treated. The more severe the condition, the more maintenance is required. And don’t forget that your daily skincare is also considered maintenance.

What are the benefits of using LED light therapy?

• Helps fight acne formation and reduces bacteria
• Reduces oiliness
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces pigmentation
• Lowers redness, swelling, and bruising
• Accelerates wound healing
• Improves skin rejuvenation
• Stimulates hair growth 
• Repairs sun-damaged skin
• Stimulation of the synthesis of new collagen
• Improvement in skin elasticity

What do the different LED light colours do?

Most LED devices have red and blue light therapy or red, blue, and near-infrared light. You may often see a pink light, which is a combination of red and blue light. Light therapy is versatile, and you can personalise treatments in many ways! Here’s a quick breakdown of what each colour does:

• Red – One of the most popular and the most commonly used. Red-light therapy has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of new collagen, improve lymphatic circulation, reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and stimulate hair follicles. It can also help with muscle recovery.

• Near-Infrared Light – This is invisible to the naked eye, but it has a whole host of benefits. It can boost metabolism, trigger the healing process, recharge mitochondria, stimulate white blood cell production, reduce body fat, promote cell regeneration, increase energy, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

• Blue Light – This is best suited for acne-prone skin, but it should be avoided if you have pigmentation concerns. Blue light has been shown to reduce oiliness, breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. It also kills bacteria, making it an ideal treatment for bacterial skin conditions. Blue light can also prevent acne formation by reducing inflammation. It is also known as the “happy light” because it has been shown to improve mood.

What do the different wavelengths mean?

The longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration delivers energy to the cells. Different LED light wavelengths mean different things for your skin. If you’re looking for a light that penetrates deeply, you’ll want to find one with a longer wavelength. The most clinically evidenced and scientifically proven wavelengths for optimum absorption are: 

• Red – 630nm-640nm
• Blue – 405nm-420nm
• Near-Infrared Light – 800nm-900nm

I have some fine lines and wrinkles; is it anti-ageing? 

The short answer is yes! Red light and near-infrared light combined would be the best for this. This combination is amazing for skin rejuvenation, loss of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles.

How is it a different light from a tanning bed?

Tanning beds use ultraviolet light, which not only emits heat, but also causes pigmentation to become darker and age spots to develop. UV exposure can also cause a whole cascade of health and skin problems, including causing skin cancer and skin ageing at lightning speed.

LED light therapy, on the other hand, uses low-level light, which does not cause any of the problems that UV exposure might cause. Instead, it helps to improve the quality of the skin. LED light therapy is a much safer and healthier option than tanning beds.

Can LED improve hydration in the skin?

Yes, red LED light therapy can improve hydration levels in the skin by stimulating your skin’s fibroblasts and encouraging the skin to retain hydration. However, there are more beneficial treatments, such as the HydrafacialMD, which will also include light therapy if hydration is your main concern.

Will it improve my acne?

It will certainly improve acne and breakout-prone skin. You will see significant results, but it will not completely clear acne just using LED alone. Along with these treatments, a consistent skincare regimen and looking after your gut health are the most important for acne-prone skin. 

If I have a client suffering from acne, blue light therapy would definitely be a part of their treatment programme. Results vary from person to person depending on factors like lifestyle and hormones, but I have seen incredible results from blue light therapy.

I find my skin is dull; is it good for brightening?

Yes, studies have shown that red and near-infrared light used together offer the best results for dull, sallow skin with a lack of radiance.

Will it affect my eyesight?

All devices should be used with protective goggles to block any light and be perfectly safe.

Is light therapy more beneficial than other treatments?

Light therapy is such a versatile treatment that it can be added to existing treatments to enhance its benefits. It can also be added to intensive treatments such as micro-needling to calm the skin and reduce bacteria and redness. Still, it is an incredible standalone treatment that gives clinically proven results. And don’t forget you can also use LED light therapy on any area of the body! If you need to be more budget-friendly, but have skin issues or concerns, then definitely book this treatment as a standalone. 

Is it expensive?

It varies on location, device, and whether it is a standalone treatment or an enhancement to another treatment. It can often be included in some treatments, but if not, it is usually cheaper to add to the treatment. Price varies from AED 100-400.

When should I not use LED light therapy and why?

I would avoid light therapy if:

• You are taking Accutane or similar medication as the skin can be sensitive to light
• You are pregnant
• You suffer from epilepsy
• You take medications that cause light sensitivity (such as Tetracycline)
• You are currently taking steroids or cortisone injections

Can I do this myself at home?

You certainly can! I wouldn’t expect miracles to happen with at-home devices. However, they are great for maintenance and skin rejuvenation. Most at-home devices are a lower level wavelength, so instead of only having to use the device for 10 minutes, you may have to wear it for up to 60 minutes for optimum results.

Brand Recommendations 

When it comes to LED light therapy, there are plenty of options on the market. But as the saying goes, “research is best before you invest.” So, to save you some time, I’ve compiled a list of recommended brands:

• DermaluxTM
• Light Stim
• Joov
• Omnilux
• Filterlessera
• Opera mask
• Celluma

What to Look For

When it comes to choosing an LED light brand, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the brand offers a minimum wavelength of 630nm. You’ll also want to look for brands that offer clinical studies to back up their claims. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to consider convenience and time.

Did You Know?

“After extensive trials, NASA scientists found that using red light is extremely beneficial to humans. The red light was used to speed up the healing process of astronauts’ wounds in space. Further research found that aside from healing wounds, red light can also stimulate the skin’s production of collagen and elastin.”

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Monica Malhotra

The Best Sunscreens to See You Through Summer

We swear by these seven picks.

Prolonged exposure to harsh sun rays can lead to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and a decrease in the skin’s natural elasticity. Prevent these issues by choosing the right product and practising religious sun cream application stat! Don’t know where to begin? Here are our top seven sunscreen picks that will protect your skin from the scorching Dubai sun.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen 

This Supergoop! sunscreen is the absolute holy grail for a lot of skincare enthusiasts in the beauty realm. It’s a lightweight broad spectrum sun protection cream that leaves no white cast upon application, making it the perfect choice for when you want to go bare-faced or apply underneath makeup. If you’re sensitive to scent and particular ingredients, you might want to opt for this product as it’s scentless and created with clean chemicals.

Find it here.

Source: Revolve

La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid

This award-winning sunscreen is another favourite among men and women alike. Regarded as one of the most effective sun protection formulas in the market, this non-comedogenic UVA/UVB sunscreen from La Roche-Posay provides advanced protection in a weightless, matte finish. It is also packed with healthy ingredients free of parabens and fragrance, making it a great choice for every skin type.

Find it here.

Source: Life Pharmacy

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

Want to give the K-beauty trend a try? Try this broad protection sun cream from COSRX. Containing 5,500 ppm of aloe vera leaf extract, this popular Korean skincare brand provides extra hydration and a deep soothing effect for all skin types. Its light formula keeps the skin looking fresh and natural, even after constant reapplication through the day.

Find it here.

Source: Beauty Korea Dubai

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk

Another beauty pick that sits atop many beauty aficionado’s vanity is this SPF 50 sunscreen from Anessa, a brand owned by Shiseido. This Japanese skincare favourite is formulated with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract that aids in hydrating the face and body while protecting it from environmental stressors. Additionally, its strong yet lightweight formula makes it the best sun protection product for both day-to-day errands and outdoor activities. 

Find it here.

Source: Amazon

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Protect your skin from the harsh Dubai sun with this pick from Neutrogena. True to its name, it provides an invisible finish, keeping the skin shielded from the harsh heat without giving off an unwanted white tint. It’s also the best choice for when you’re heading to the beach or the pool as it claims to be water-resistant for 80 minutes. For best results, apply a generous amount on the skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after every two hours.

Find it here.

Source: iHerb website

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen

A great mineral sunscreen that won’t break the bank is this variant from distinguished skincare brand CeraVe. On top of powerful sun protection, this drugstore favourite contains ceramides and niacinamide that work to replenish the skin barrier. It’s also free of parabens, fragrance, and oils.

Find it here.

Source: Desertmart

Sisley Tinted Sun Care

Don’t have a lot of extra time in the mornings? Cut your prep time with Sisley’s tinted sun care cream. The light and silky formula helps it seep into the skin easier, giving it extra TLC without any unpleasant greasiness. It is also filled with beneficial ingredients such as the vitamin E acetate that gets rid of free radicals, edelweiss extract that strengthens the skin barrier, and sage and marjoram essential oils that soothe and stimulate the skin.

Find it here.

Source: Ounass

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Samia Qaiyum

5 Clean Beauty Myths, Debunked

By three clean beauty experts, no less.

Today, July 15th, marks National Clean Beauty Day in the US, celebrating mindfully created products that feature ethically sourced ingredients and take both human and environmental health into account. But with no official definition in place, the term ‘clean beauty’ brings with it a sense of ambiguity – and a whole lot of questions. Does sacrificing synthetics impact their effectiveness? Is clean beauty as elitist as the rest of the wellness industry? And does it only cater to goop-reading, yoga-practising, ashwagandha-taking vegans?

Unanswered questions translate to myths that need to be debunked, so we turned to three different experts for their insights: Lorraine Dallmeier (CEO of organic cosmetic science school Formula Botanica), Mukta Purain (founder of clean beauty platform MissPalettable), and Deepica Mutyala (founder of clean beauty brand Live Tinted). Listen in.

Myth 1: Clean Beauty Is Preservative-Free

LD: “Well, that’s clearly not the case because a preservative is necessary to make a safe and stable product. When I first got into natural beauty, everyone was all about avoiding preservatives, claiming they’re dangerous and carcinogenic. But it has calmed down a lot, which is a good thing. We’ve played a big role in that by going out there and saying that not only can preservation protect your formulation and your customer, but it can also be done safely because there are lots of naturally derived preservatives on the market now. But it’s absolutely okay if you don’t want to work with preservatives. You just have to stick with anhydrase products, which don’t contain water – oils, butters, balms, that sort of thing. You’re limiting yourself in the formulations that you can make, and there is nothing wrong with that.”

MP: “It comes down to shelf life – if a product is free of preservatives, it means that it’s really natural and has to be used almost immediately. But in general, it’s impossible to create a preservative-free product with a shelf life of two years. There are a lot of misconceptions around preservatives – whether it’s in beauty, food, or anything else. And they get a bad rap, most of which stems from packaged food. But the difference here is that no one is going to buy a moisturiser with a three-week shelf life. The one exception is things like bar soaps and solid shampoo, which don’t need preservatives because they’re dry. But as soon as you have any form of liquid in your product, you need preservatives – otherwise it will spoil.”

DM: “Not true – a lot of people equate clean beauty with preservative-free beauty because of parabens. Historically, parabens were one of the key ingredients that clean beauty standards avoided, but it really doesn’t mean clean beauty is free of preservatives. The reality is that you need preservatives in your makeup and skincare to avoid bacterial growth and degradation over time.”

Myth 2: Clean Beauty Isn’t Fun

LD: “Our mantra is that everyone can and should formulate because it’s fun, easy, and empowering. It’s a bit like learning how to cook. One of my colleagues wanted to formulate for the first time, and I suggested he try out a lip balm kit. He’s got two kids – they’re six and eight – and they did it together. They made it and labelled it and gifted some to their grandmothers. Everyone was just blown away by these lip balms. They still use them. And they were like, ‘When can we do this again?’ Anyone can do this, and it’s so much fun, so I think clean beauty is actually a ton of fun.”

MP: “Clean beauty started off very organic, very wholesome – it was for people who had sensitive skin and wasn’t as fun at first. But things have changed. Technology has advanced, formulations have advanced. In the past, you had founders who were slightly older creating such brands, but a lot of them these days are millennials. They’re trying to create brands that are both conscious and connect with the kind of lifestyles they live so the colours are a lot more pigmented, the branding is so much more vibrant – and this is just the beginning. Take Bouclème, a hair care brand that we carry on MissPalettable. Hair care isn’t really that exciting, right? But its packaging is bright, the social media pages are full of curly hair influencers, it’s very real. At the same time, its bottles are made of sugarcane waste.”

DM: “A complete myth! Our Huestick and Hueglow are super fun. What is the definition of fun anyway? It’s different for everyone. You have to think about who your target consumer is and what they want. Do they want fun makeup or makeup that works overtime? Creating fun clean products if possible. It just requires a little bit more work to bring the formula to life because the laboratory you work with may not want to experiment as much, and there could be higher costs involved – but that’s the burden of the company, not the consumer. So absolutely, making fun products is possible, it might just require more patience. The industry is moving towards the clean beauty standard, and that means the innovations are coming. It is the responsibility of the brand to figure it out.”

Myth 3: Clean Beauty Isn’t Effective

LD: “What’s interesting is that we have to define what ‘effective’ means. The beauty industry has been telling us that we don’t look right, we don’t smell right, we aren’t right for a while now. It tells us to erase the sands of time and halt the aging process – something you can’t do when you use natural. And yet what’s happened as a result of the indie beauty movement taking off is that big brands have started to research all these botanical extracts, so I don’t agree that clean beauty is ineffective because a lot of the high-performance extracts that we use can be derived from plants. We can keep our skin healthy and clean and glowing with botanical ingredients, so again, it’s a myth that has been put out there, sadly.”

MP: “Before the term ‘clean beauty’ came about, it was natural and organic. And are natural and organic versions more effective than mainstream products? I’m not sure. But clean beauty is broader in the sense that it’s about formulations that do not contain harmful chemicals. There’s a spectrum – some clean beauty brands claim that there are no chemicals in their products, which is a lie because everything is a chemical. At the same time, you’ve got brands that are more balanced, every ingredient in their formulations serving a function. It all comes down to the person behind the brand. Deepica, for example, created the Huestick because South Asians have dark circles. That’s where I feel clean beauty brands are a lot more effective; there’s a passion and a reason behind them.”

DM: “Another myth. What is the definition of effective? Are we talking really long wearing power or breathability? Being a clean beauty brand is redefining the meaning of some of these words. Are we going to be able to match the performance of those liquid lipsticks with 24-hour claims right out of the box? Maybe not. It’s reasonable to think that they are formulated with ingredients that are on the clean beauty ban list. On the other hand, effectiveness might mean breathability, and one of the things we’ve learnt in this post-pandemic world is that people want wearable makeup that lets their skin breathe – that itself is considered effective.”

Myth 4: Clean Beauty Isn’t Inclusive

LD: “It’s an important point because clean beauty can be a little non-inclusive. For starters, it tends to operate in skincare. Hair care is harder since it contains a lot more water and therefore needs more stabilisation. We’re seeing some awesome indie brands that cater to curly and coily hair types, but they’re in the minority. Indie makeup is still quite rare because making cosmetics with natural pigments that aren’t derived from a lab is hard as well. And again, you have the issue with different skin tones that aren’t catered for because you have a teeny tiny budget and launch with only a few products. The other thing is clean beauty can be quite pricey because, obviously, you’re not pumping your products full of water and stabilisers, which is what the big brands are doing – and that pushes up your cost and retail price. It can lock some people out of the marketplace. There’s a lot of work to do at all levels.”

MP: “Let’s take Bouclème as an example again. It’s huge on inclusivity because its products cater to a population that was hardly considered before. Personally, I don’t agree that clean beauty isn’t inclusive
because a lot of clean beauty brands were created as a result of their founders feeling excluded by mainstream brands. Michele Scott-Lynch started Bouclème because she and her children have curly hair, and she just couldn’t find products that worked. She also wanted her brand to have a conscience, so it’s paraben-free, sulfate-free, and vegan. Skincare is still most inclusive because you’re dealing with skin types, not skin tones. I mean, it’s only recently – after the likes of Fenty Beauty and Huda Beauty – that we’re starting to see some inclusivity in makeup. It’s happening because the founders of these brands are people of colour themselves, and the same thing is carrying over into clean beauty.”

DM: “False! Live Tinted’s mission is to bring clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products that work on all skin tones. We are here to dispel such myths. For some reason, there’s this mindset that if something is clean, it doesn’t show up on your skin. The reality is that you can make products that are pigmented and work on deeper skin tones, yet are clean. Take our award-winning Huestick, for example. One of the things that was very important was to make a buildable formula because different people have different layers of dark circles and dark spots that they want to cover, which is what makes our products truly inclusive. This myth mainly comes from the fact that there aren’t that many clean brands focused on the BIPOC consumer. And that’s where Live Tinted comes in. It doesn’t mean clean inclusive beauty cannot be done. It just means there is room for brands like ours to grow.”

Myth 5: Clean Beauty Requires a Lifestyle Overhaul

LD: “I disagree, clean beauty should be for anyone who wants to participate. Some can be very purist about it, but you’re going to alienate people that way. The one thing that everyone should embrace, however, is sustainable beauty. That’s a far bigger issue. Literally no one talks about consumption because the beauty industry is set up to encourage infinite economic growth with finite resources. And it doesn’t work because we only have one planet. The average woman has 16 beauty products on her bathroom shelf, so I once asked the Sustainability Director of Shiseido how the brand is encouraging people to use fewer products and she admitted to feeling stumped. I don’t think it matters if you’re clean or not, vegan or not. What matters is how sustainable our beauty habits are – that goes for the brands making them and the people buying them.”

MP: “No, that’s not true. Clean beauty is becoming increasingly inclusive, but you exclude people by saying it’s only intended for vegans or vegetarians. Suddenly, you’re clean-shaming people. It comes
down to a personal choice. When you take an interest in clean beauty, you’re already thinking about taking a more conscious approach. It’s because you’re taking a step back and examining your life. But it’s
got nothing to do with going vegan or practising yoga or anything like that – it’s more about you internally. And such things take time. I mean, you’re not going to become this extremely conscious minimalist overnight. I feel like the first step is acknowledging it, then slowly adjusting your choices over a period of time. Even having one vegetarian meal a day is a start.”

DM: “A lot of the clean beauty conversations revolve around ingredients, but sustainability is also a major component. It’s not about solving that problem alone and on day one. However, if we collectively take small steps towards that goal, it will have a massive impact now and an even bigger one in the future. Does it mean you need to throw away all your products and only buy clean? No. What you can do as a consumer is find products that work for you and the environment – playing with new products is part of the fun anyway. Look at our Huestick Multisticks – you can create an entire look with only one product! You shouldn’t have to overhaul your lifestyle. Instead, you should feel proud and excited to make small changes that can have a big impact on you and the planet.”

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Emma Brain

3 All-Natural Sunscreens You Need This Summer

Your skincare arsenal deserves an upgrade.

Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing there is, so it’s vital to have good sunscreen products in your skincare line-up. But what if you’re trying to avoid traditional sunscreens that contain lots of nasty chemicals?

Thankfully, there are lots of new sunscreens that don’t use harsh chemicals and still offer great protection from the sun. Add that to their anti-ageing properties, loads of antioxidants, and fast-absorbing formulations as well as being organic, vegan, and reef-friendly (with recycled, reusable, or refillable packaging), and these everyday beach buddies are not only great for your skin, but also the environment. The Gaggler videographer Emma Brain tested three hot sunscreens to see which shone through as the best sun protection of the bunch.

Watch the Video: All Three Sunscreens Put to the Test

Ixora Ultimate Protection Sunscreen (SPF 40)

Need to Know:

Protects from harmful UV rays and contains concentrated amounts of Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, which is a natural SPF that’s also high in antioxidants, nourishing the skin as well as protecting it.

Key Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Naturally derived Zinc oxide, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract, Buriti Oil.

Ixora Ultimate Protection Sunscreen, PRP AED 199, available at ixoraworld.com

Soleil Toujours Mineral Sunscreen Glow (SPF 30)

Need to Know:

A mineral sunscreen that offers antioxidants, moisturising, nourishing, and anti-ageing properties, it offers UV protection whilst giving the skin a subtle glow. Light enough for everyday use.

Key Ingredients:

The EcoSunComplex contains red algae, vitamin C ester, vitamin E, and bisabolol. Also contains green tea leaf extract.

Soleil Toujours Mineral Sunscreen Glow Spf 30, PRP AED 176, available at mispalettable.com

SunKiss Unscented (SPF 30)

Need to Know:

Great for use on both the body and face, this mineral-based sunscreen with powerful antioxidants protects from DNA-damaging sun exposure. Good for all ages and skin types, and fragrance free.

Key Ingredients:

Shea Butter and Jojoba whipped together with Red Raspberry Seed Oil. Non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

Sunkiss Unscented Spf 30 Suncare, PRP AED 160, available at sunkissme.com

Want The Gaggler to review more products?
Get in touch via our Instagram page, and let us know which products you want us to put to the test. 

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Lucy Clegg

Are Face Masks Essential for Skincare?

This is your Face Masks 101.

Face masks have been around for thousands of years. Cleopatra was known to use Dead Sea mud, and some Egyptians even used crocodile dung masks that allegedly gave a youthful appearance (thank goodness those days are over). But do you really need to add face masks to your skincare routine?

Here’s the Lowdown

Face masks are not completely necessary and will not dramatically improve your skin overnight. However, they can be beneficial in many other ways. They don’t offer long-term benefits, but can certainly offer short-term benefits such as reducing inflammation, oiliness, breakouts, skin tightening, and hydration. I recommend incorporating them once a week to continue improving your skin health and texture. If you have an event to attend, they are great for prepping your skin for an amazing glow!

More importantly, taking time out for yourself to put on your favourite face mask improves your mood and can be great for your mental health. You are more likely to do something relaxing while putting on a face mask such as taking a bath, watching a movie, or taking a nap. Who can say no to some good old self-care? 

Types of Masks

Sheet Masks 

These masks are usually filled with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and aloe vera to give your skin an extra boost of hydration, calm, and soothe.

Clay Masks 

Clay masks draw out impurities and usually contain kaolin, which is oil-absorbing and wound healing – great for oily/breakout-prone skin!

DIY Masks

Proceed with caution when doing DIY face masks. Avoid lemon juice and aspirin, and stick to more calming ingredients such as yoghurt and aloe vera as they are usually safe to use. Just be aware of any allergies you may have. If you like experimenting with at-home face masks, then definitely try this DIY mask!

I am a lover of multi-masking. My skin is dehydrated, oily, breakout-prone, and I have post-inflammatory skin pigmentation so I like to use two masks at once. You can even layer or sleep in some of these masks! Here are some of my favourites.

My Favourite Face Masks 

For Oily/Breakout-Prone Skin

Tri Biobotanical Revival Masque, Environ

I love the consistency of this mask – it’s creamy rather than clay, so if you want something a little richer, this one is a great choice as it gives amazing results.

Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, replenishes, and detoxifies skin

Contains: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and tea tree leaf oil 

Tip: This is a great multi-mask product. If you suffer from blackheads, I would recommend using this as a treatment in those areas and multi-mask with a different mask of your choice. This mask also contains lactic and mandelic acid, which are exfoliating ingredients known as AHAs, so I would avoid exfoliating beforehand as this could cause dryness/flakiness and irritation depending on your skin. 

Clarifying Clay Mineral Mask, ESPA 

This mask is great because it’s not only a face mask, but it’s also great for us as a spot treatment. If you have a pimple, but don’t want to apply the entire mask, you can just put some on the area and leave it on. It is non-drying so, unlike some clay masks, it won’t leave your skin feeling dry afterward. Plus, it’s surprisingly hydrating.

Benefits: Balances excess oils, purifies the skin, soothes, and hydrates

Contains: Rose geranium, kaolin, rose damascena, and marshmallow 

Tip: I would sleep in it when spot treating as it draws out the impurities and helps to reduce the size of the pimple and inflammation.

For Sensitive Skin or Hydration

Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask , Medik8

Benefits: Decongests skin, clears breakouts, and reduces inflammation 

Contains: Hyaluronic acid, rockweed algae extract, and zinc 

Brightening Sheet Masque, ZO

This is a quick and easy mask to use, and is perfect for dehydrated skin, which makes it great for travel, especially on or after a flight due to the dehydration your skin goes through while flying.

Benefits:

• Replenishes hydration and prevents water loss
• Provides antioxidant benefits
• Calms and soothes

Contains: Aloe vera, green tea, and panthenol

Tip: Both the Medik8 and ZO sheet masks can be put in the fridge for a cooling and soothing effect. This is especially great for sunburn or post-professional laser, micro-needling, or peel treatments (make sure to check with your practitioner first, though).

For Combating Ageing or Pigmentation

Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask, Elemis

I love the cooling and light-tingling sensation of this mask, and this favourite is one that I always go back to.

Benefits:

• Improves skins texture
• Twice-weekly treatment targets uneven skin texture and light scarring
• Reveals smoother, more radiant skin in less than 10 minutes

Contains: Amazonian acerola cherry, white truffle, and amino acids

Tip: This is a great post-holiday treatment to reduce dark spots and renew skin.

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Darlene Aberin

40 Powerful Quotes to Celebrate Your Inner Beauty

Beauty inspiration from the inside out.

We all have moments when we don’t feel our best. Maybe you had a bad day at work or didn’t get the result you wanted. When these things happen, it’s easy to start focusing on our outer appearance and how it doesn’t measure up to your expectations. What if I tell you to consider this: instead of trying to change how you look on the outside, you can refocus your mindset by celebrating your inner beauty.

But how specifically can you channel your inner gorgeousness? Start by accepting compliments graciously. Instead of downplaying a compliment or shrugging it off, confidently smile and say, “Thank you!” This helps you see the positive things that others see in you and reinforces your self-worth. 

Another way to increase self-confidence is by practising positive affirmations. These can be short statements like “I am beautiful” or “I am worthy”. Repeating these phrases to yourself daily can help train your brain to focus on the positive and ignore negative self-talk. Finally, don’t be afraid to show your inner beauty to the world! Do whatever makes you feel confident – the more you exude inner beauty, the more others will see it.

Inner beauty is about self-confidence and being empowered. It’s about knowing your worth and being proud of who you are! In a world where beauty is often defined by what’s on the outside, it’s refreshing to read quotes that celebrate the beauty of your inner self. Here, we’ve collected 40 of our favourite quotes to help you appreciate your unique beauty. Whether you’re dealing with insecurities or need a little boost of confidence, they will remind you that true beauty comes from within.

1. “Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.” – Sophia Loren
2. “Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!” – Coco Chanel
3. “The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” – Audrey Hepburn
4. “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” – Khalil Gibran
5. “To me, beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.” – Ellen DeGeneres

1. “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
2. “Beauty is about enhancing what you have. Let yourself shine through.” – Janelle Monae
3. “No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
4. “Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself.” – Paramahansa Yogananda
5. “A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears.” – Anne Roiphe

1. “The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.” – Audrey Hepburn
2. “What you do, the way you think makes you beautiful.” – Scott Westerfeld
3. “I’m convinced that inner beauty radiates from within, making someone even more attractive.” – Ellen DeGeneres
4. “Inner beauty should be the most important part of improving one’s self.” – Priscilla Presley
5. “I think the definition of beauty is somebody who’s comfortable in their own skin and celebrates that they’re unique and different.” – Drew Barrymore

1. “The real sin against life is to abuse and destroy beauty, even one’s own – even more, one’s own, for that has been put in our care, and we are responsible for its preservation.” – Katherine Anne Porter
2. “Outer beauty turns the head, but inner beauty turns the heart.” – Helen J. Russell
3. “Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees.” – Rumi
4. “True beauty resides within a good heart, not in superficial things like hair, makeup, or clothes.” – Unknown
5. “Inner beauty, too, needs occasionally to be told it is beautiful.” – Robert Brault

1. “The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place in which love resides.” – Audrey Hepburn
2. “Beauty is not about having a pretty face. It is about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and most importantly a pretty soul.” – Unknown
3. “Beauty shouldn’t be about changing yourself to achieve an ideal or be more socially acceptable. Real beauty, the interesting, truly pleasing kind, is about honoring the beauty within you and without you. It’s about knowing that someone else’s definition of pretty has no hold over you.” – Golda Poretsky
4. “Beauty lies not in a flawless complexion but in the stories that are told by each transitioning line on a woman’s face.” – Alyscia Cunningham
5. “To me, beauty is natural beauty. If you’re naturally yourself, you’re beautiful.” – Young MA

1. “Natural beauty really entices men. They will tell you this time and time again, and studies consistently prove it.” – Helen Fisher
2. “To experience sublime natural beauty is to confront the total inadequacy of language to describe what you see. Words cannot convey the scale of a view that is so stunning it is felt.” – Eleanor Catton
3. “Beauty is not something you buy; instead, beauty is what lies within.” – Byron Pulsifer
4. “I love natural beauty, and I think it’s your best look, but I think makeup as an artist is so transformative.” – Marina and the Diamonds
5. “Being natural is incredibly empowering for women because it’s just who you are. You’re embracing all the beautiful things about you from your head to your toes. Because when you mask so much of your natural beauty, people don’t get to see that.” – Rozonda Thomas

1. “Beauty is the illumination of your soul.” – John O’Donohue
2. “Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.” – Kate Angell
3. “A pure heart is superlatively rare and even more attractive.” – J. S. B. Morse
4. “Inner beauty, too, needs occasionally to be told it is beautiful.” – Robert Brault
5. “We see the beauty within and cannot say no.” – Dave Eggers

1. “True beauty is when someone radiates that they like themselves.” – Aimee Mullins
2. “Our hearts are drunk with a beauty our eyes could never see.” – George W. Russell
3. “Beauty lives with kindness.” – William Shakespeare
4. “Beauty is not something you buy; instead, beauty is what lies within.” – Byron Pulsifer
5. “Beauty is power; a smile is its sword.” – John Ray

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Ali Soudi

10 Local Beauty Products We (Still) Swear By

You don’t have to look far for these must-haves.

Looking for beauty products to add to your ever-evolving collection? Look no further. The UAE is home to several brands that offer a wide range of products to keep your hair, skin, and makeup in check this summer – and beyond. Here, we share our picks of the 10 best products by locally based brands.

KJ Serums Triology Fresh Vitamin C Serum

Kathryn Jones established her business following a longstanding career in the UK under the biopharmaceutical sector. With her thorough background and passion for skincare, she launched KJ Serums to bring effective products to the market using unique ingredients and special formulations. The Triology Day serum is packed with amazing ingredients such as pure L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, all proven to combat ageing, damage from UV rays, and hyperpigmentation.

Find it here.

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation

Launched by makeup artist and award-winning beauty blogger Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty has cemented itself as one of the world’s most popular makeup brands today. Hailed as “a filter in a bottle”, the brand’s liquid foundation has become a staple in every makeup enthusiast’s kit. It offers 24-hour coverage, a luminous finish, and a fragrance-free formulation.

Find it here.

Shirley Conlon Organics Rose Hip Oil

Specially formulated with UAE residents in mind, Shirley Conlon Organics produces luxury skincare products that perfectly adapt to heat and humidity. The brand’s signature Rose Hip Oil is a weightless blend of botanicals and antioxidants that promotes anti-ageing, reduces the appearance of scars, and repairs the skin from sun damage, effectively giving the skin a healthy natural glow.

Find it here.

Nina Ubhi False Eyelashes in Poppy

Aiming to inspire makeup junkies with her unique approach to beauty, founder Nina Ubhi started her brand with the mission to create products that enhance natural features. Part of The Classic Collection, the false lashes in Poppy give the eyes a soft and natural look without weighing the lids down.

Find it here.

Glossy Makeup Ombre Brush Collection

Professional makeup artist and founder Natasha Zaki launched Glossy Makeup in response to the market’s lack of beautiful, yet affordable beauty products. The Ombre Brush Collection is specifically designed to aid its users in creating a flawless makeup look. It’s also completely vegan and shed-free!

Find it here.

IZIL Nutritive Oil for Dry & Dull Hair

Rooted in founder Mouna Abassy’s Moroccan heritage, IZIL aims to showcase the beauty rituals perfected by Moroccan women for centuries through its bespoke products. The Nutritive Oil is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish dry and dull hair, keeping it soft and shiny throughout the day.

Find it here.

Kayali Citrus | 08

Founded by sisters Huda and Mona Kattan, Kayali fragrances are inspired by the rich culture and sophistication of the Middle East. The Citrus | 08 puts a twist on your typical fragrance, combining Italian bergamot, pink grapefruit, rose centifolia, musk, and oakmoss for its key notes. It’s the perfect scent for those who want to emulate casual elegance and youthful freshness.

Find it here.

Shiffa Sweetness Body Polish 

Shiffa started when Dr. Lamees created the brand’s famous Pregnancy Body Oil out of personal necessity. Today, the brand takes pride in being the only luxury organic skincare brand established by a doctor expert in healing science. The Sweetness Body Polish gently exfoliates the skin, effectively giving it a soft and refined texture. On top of that, the luxurious oils infused in this body polish hydrate and nourish the skin for a healthy, youthful glow.

Find it here. 

Herbal Essentials Himalayan Micellar Water

Brand founder and managing director Aly Rahimtoola launched the brand in hopes of providing the market with beauty products that make the skin look good and feel good. Formulated with 95% natural ingredients, the Himalayan Micellar Water provides the skin a thorough cleanse without stripping it of its natural oils and hydration. If you have sensitive skin, you might just want to check out this award-winning product.

Find it here.

The Dubai Dolls Boss Babe Face Mist

Priya Judge and Gayatri Sagar have always been committed to providing “cruelty-free beauty with a purpose”. They firmly believe in using ingredients that promote natural beauty, and it is highly evident through their product releases. The Boss Babe Face Mist is a versatile addition to any skincare routine as it can even out skin texture and reduce skin irritation without the use of fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

Find it here.

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Lucy Clegg

The Debate Around Clean Beauty Continues…

Is it all just a marketing ploy?

If you’re like me, you may care deeply about what goes into and onto your body – especially if you think sustainability is important and want to improve your carbon footprint. If so, the idea of switching to clean beauty might seem like a no-brainer. However, it pays to do a little research before parting with your hard-earned cash.

The clean beauty movement has been gathering momentum for a while now, but there has been a lot of controversy regarding whether or not these beauty products are safe. Brands are switching from ‘toxic’ ingredients to more eco- and health-friendly options, and many of us have already begun the process of finding ‘cleaner’ products for our bodies and homes. But with its ever-growing popularity comes ever-growing criticism, so here, I’m going to delve into all things clean beauty. Read on and be more confident in your choices, make smarter purchases, and ultimately live a healthier lifestyle – with or without clean beauty.

So, What Is Clean Beauty? 

Each brand has its own definition of what clean beauty means for them as there is no one agreed-upon definition. For example, here are two brands’ visions of what clean beauty is.

Clean Beauty Box says: “Clean Beauty is defined by products that are mindfully created and produced without any proven or suspected toxic ingredients. Clean Beauty products include ingredients ethically sourced and are made with the health of our bodies and the environment in mind.”

Goop claims: “Clean, for us, means that a product that is made without a long (and ever-evolving) list of ingredients linked to harmful health effects, which can range from hormone disruption and cancer to plain old skin irritation. To name a few of the offenders we avoid: parabens, phthalates, PEGs, ethanolamines, chemical sunscreens, synthetic fragrance, BHT, and BHA.” 

The consensus is that clean beauty refers to products that are non-toxic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Contrary to what you might think, it does not necessarily mean the product has to be natural, organic, or green. The idea is that your product is rid of ingredients that are allegedly harmful to your health. 

Clean and Dirty ingredients

If a product contains what clean beauty brands consider to be ‘toxic’ or harmful to human health,  it’s classed as dirty, and each brand has a different dirty list. One example of a ‘dirty list’ includes:

• Parabens 
• SLES, SLS, ALS
• Petrolatum
• Phenoxyethanol
• Siloxanes
• Synthetic Fragrance
• Triclosan
• Formaldehyde
• Phthalates

According to Michelle Wong (a cosmetic chemist, beauty scientist, and ingredient myth debunker), there is no such thing as a clean or dirty ingredient – what truly matters is exposure. Exposure depends on how much of an ingredient you have in the product, how much you use, and how you use the product. She explains quite simply that “clean beauty is basically telling you to never drink water in case you drown”. 

A lot of clean beauty brands may disagree with Michelle Wong. Brands like Goop or Clean Beauty Box have a great concept, much like other clean beauty brands. However, their marketing could scaremonger consumers and leave many of them worried about whether a product is ‘clean’ or not. A silver lining of this, though, is that consumers are now looking at ingredients and understanding how to be more eco-friendly. 

My Take on Clean Beauty  

Overall, clean beauty has a great concept and is paving the way for a more eco-friendly future for beauty. At the same time, there is little scientific evidence to support their ‘non-toxic’ claims, and thus I can’t say that I am truly on board with the movement.

My question to the clean beauty industry is, if such ingredients are considered ‘toxic’, then how are they legal? It’s not new for companies to start looking at what they are putting into their products, so why would such reputable companies – some with 30+ years of research and thousands of clinical trials – not consider the risk of the ingredients they use? Other things to keep in mind include that no toxicology reports have been done to support the evidence that clean beauty brands claim. Additionally, ‘clean beauty’ is not a regulated term and, as explained before, it has inconsistencies in its meaning. 

It’s true that people want cleaner formulas and that there is a huge demand for them. So, if that is what you want from your product or if you already use clean beauty brands that you love, then continue to use what works for you! Just remember that nothing is guaranteed to be risk-free, so don’t be fearful of using your favourite products because they aren’t considered ‘clean’. The entire product doesn’t need to be labelled clean or dirty.  

I do champion brands that help to fight climate change and, if clean beauty brands can commit, that’s great! However, beauty may not necessarily be the path you need to take to be greener. You can always go back to the basics and consume less, use refillable products, and buy brands that create change to contribute to a sustainable future.

What should you know before searching for the right product?

1. Educate yourself

Research product ingredients and consider science-backed evidence on whether that ingredient is good or not. If like me, you’re an ingredient buff, this website is your best friend! You can research any ingredient and it gives you an easy-to-read explanation. You can even type in your product and an ingredient, and it will tell you if your product contains ingredients you don’t want in there. 

2. Everything is a chemical

All matter is chemical, so don’t fear the word!

3. Don’t be guilt-tripped 

Don’t buy into clean beauty purely out of guilt as it is eco-friendly. Instead, look at what steps you can take to be more sustainable and choose products based on your needs – whether it’s a clean beauty brand or not.

My Beauty Brand Recommendation: 

I use products that work for me and I don’t fear that my products aren’t ‘clean’ as I have done my research and trust the brands I use. However, if I had to choose a clean beauty brand, I would choose Versed. 

Some of its pros include: 

• Simple packaging
• Refill pouches
• Budget-friendly
• Biodegradable formulas

Plus, I love how its website offers a skincare quiz where, instead of searching blindly, you can be guided to the right products for you. Below, I recommend two other brands if you want to make a change and become more eco-friendly. And if you want even more suggestions, visit earth.org, which has published a list of the best sustainable beauty brands in the industry.

Lush

What I love about Lush is its fun, quirky packaging and vision to leave the world a lusher place. Some of the other pros include:

• Fighting animal testing
• Charitable donations and encouraging customers to support donations through sales of certain products
• 50% of products have zero packaging, this is what Lush considers to be ‘naked’

BYBI

I like that BYBI is very similar to Lush, is pro-planet, and wants to make a change as its ingredients don’t come at a cost to our planet. Other pros:

• It considers the harvesting process, source location, transport, and packaging
• It uses upcycled ingredients in over 50% of the products
• The packaging comes with a free returns labels so you can return it to be sterilised and reused
• It transports everything using electric vehicles 

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Emma Rymer

5 Foolproof Products to Heal Sunburn – Fast

Here’s how to soothe the redness.

“Feel the burn” may be one of your exercise goals, but it’s a different story when it comes to your skincare goals. Lazy days by the water shouldn’t lead to painful evenings nursing lobster-pink skin. Sun damage, particularly when consistently inflicted, is the leading cause of premature ageing – not to mention the fact that melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer out there. As important as it is to protect your skin every single day, the sun can sometimes sneak up on you, leaving you sore and peeling. Here are five products to help you heal sun-damaged skin, fast.

Sephora Aloe Vera Face Mask

A cooling face mask will give an instant hit of hydration while soothing pain and reducing peeling. Try this aloe vera face mask by Sephora while lying in a cool bath and enjoy the chilly sensation.

Aloe Vera Face Mask, Sephora

Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe

The good news here is that the best ingredient is free and in abundance in the UAE thanks to Mother Nature. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and cooling agent that helps soothe and moisturise sunburnt skin. Just pick a few leaves from the garden, trim the edges and spiky bits, scrape the fresh gel from inside, and apply it to the affected areas. For a less sticky solution, use an aloe vera-rich aftersun product like this one from Clinique.

After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe, Clinique

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

Rehydrating your body as quickly and as much as possible is very important after sun exposure. Drink more water and use rehydrating products such as the always-popular Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray for a quick spritz of moisture.

Brumisateur Facial Spray, Evian

Korres Greek Yoghurt Calming + Cooling Gel

After being cooled, soothed, and hydrated, sun-exposed skin needs to be regenerated and looked after with care. A simple home remedy is to slather on Greek yoghurt – its anti-inflammatory properties help skin heal. For a less messy alternative, try this gel-based product by Korres.

Greek Yoghurt Calming + Cooling Gel, Korres

Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream

Ideally, you should avoid covering up your redness with makeup as it will dry out your skin and act as an irritant. BB creams such as the Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream are the best solution if you need to tone it down for a night out or an important meeting. It’s great for all skin types and is versatile enough to moisturise and smooth dehydrated skin, prime and perfect the surface, camouflage and colour-correct skin tone, and protect against the sun.

Perfect Hydrating BB Cream, Shiseido 

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

• Posted by Monica Malhotra

7 Lightweight Moisturisers Perfect for the Summer

It’s time to adapt your skincare routine.

Every skincare enthusiast knows that the trick to keeping cool and hydrated in the summer is to find the perfect products for your skin. If you constantly find yourself sweating in this heat, you might be thinking that getting rid of your skincare routine altogether is a no-brainer, but experts firmly state that moisturising and sunscreen application are non-negotiables for healthy, glowy skin – you just have to find the right ones. To help you achieve your #skingoals, we’ve rounded up our top picks of the best lightweight moisturisers for summer.

Bioderma Sébium Mat Control

Not a fan of oily skin days? This option from French brand Bioderma not only hydrates the skin, but also keeps it matte for at least eight hours. It’s the perfect choice for girls-on-the-go who don’t have the time for constant makeup retouches. It’s light and smoothes skin textures, making it a great moisturiser for whether you want to go au naturel or full glam.

Find it here.

Source: Bioderma UAE

Kiehl’s Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream

Every gal wants a product that can do it all. This moisturiser from Kiehl’s is formulated to hydrate, soften, and improve the skin’s texture – no matter the skin type. Its main ingredient calendula is best known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, sure to aid the skin’s natural healing and hydration process. Achieve a healthy glow and pair it with your favorite sunscreen without that heavy, sticky feeling.

Find it here. 

Source: Kiehl’s UAE

Innisfree Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream

The beauty world just can’t get enough of K-beauty. If you’re keen to hop on the glass skin trend yourself, try out this moisturiser from Innisfree. It’s a gel-type cream that hydrates and calms skin irritation, leaving you free of unwanted redness. Enhance your skin’s natural radiance without ever feeling heavy or greasy through the day. 

Find it here. 

Source: Innisfree UAE Official Website

Tatcha The Water Cream

This moisturiser from Tatcha has been a holy grail for a lot of skincare junkies for years. It comes as no surprise – this water-based moisturiser is packed with powerhouse ingredients that promote hydration, anti-ageing, and pore-tightening. Upon application, you’ll achieve instant hydration without barely feeling anything on. It gives your skin a shine-free glow that’s perfect for both makeup and no-makeup days. 

Find it here. 

Source: Glamazle

Sukin Facial Moisturiser

Want a good moisturiser that doesn’t break the bank? Try this one from Sukin. It’s rich with ingredients such as rosehip, avocado, sesame seed, and jojoba oils, all of which are widely known for hydration and nourishment. It’s light, vegan, and available in a sensitive skin variation. 

Find it here.

Source: Life Pharmacy

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

True to its name, this moisturising cream from Neutrogena offers that extra boost of hydration, keeping you looking fresh around the clock. It’s an oil-free formula that features hyaluronic acid, a popular active ingredient that will rid your skin of dullness and dehydration. It’s also non-comedogenic, making it the ideal product for Dubai’s hot summer months.

Find it here.

No7 Early Defence Day Cream

Another drugstore entry on this list is the light cream from No7. Perfect for those with normal to combination skin, this moisturiser provides Double Defence technology that hydrates and protects the skin from UV rays and pollution. It also contains SPF15 and is completely kind to sensitive skin thanks to its hypo-allergenic properties.

Find it here.

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.

The Women (in) Power Podcast

Gaggler Your Inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter.